The OLM files are database files used by Microsoft Outlook for Mac. It stores different mailbox items like emails, contacts, tasks, notes, and other mailbox items in a single file, making them easy to access on Mac Outlook. On the other hand, PST files, formally known as Personal Storage Table files, are used in Windows Outlook to store users' personal or professional data. The PST files are somewhat similar to OLM files yet have their own benefits, which we will discuss later on in this article.
Since OLM files are used on Mac OS and cannot be opened on Outlook for Windows, users face difficulties transferring from Mac to Windows for various reasons. Therefore, they look for ways to convert OLM to PST on Mac. However, before starting the conversion, let's consider the need to convert the OLM file to Outlook PST.
Reasons to Convert Outlook OLM files to PST
Many users nowadays want to switch from Mac to Windows as it is more cost-effective and has more features than Mac. Some other common reasons to convert OLM files to PST-free.
- The PST helps to expand the email storage space by creating local archives of the email folders.
- PST file helps in improving performances and reduces backup time.
- PST files are easily portable from one Outlook account to another account.
- Users need to switch mailbox data from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows.
- The Outlook PST keeps updating systematically.
- PST files can be easily accessed even during a server crash.
Above, we shared some of the benefits of converting OLM files to PST free. In the next section, Let’s discuss the different methods by which Mac users can convert OLM to PST files.
Best 2 Methods to Convert OLM file to PST
Various methods are available on the internet to convert OLM to PST free. One of which is by configuring an IMAP account in Mac Outlook. Using this, you can manually initiate the conversion of OLM files to PST on Mac Outlook. At the same time, you can also use the OLM Converter Tool for a professional approach.
Method 1: How to import OLM files into Outlook for Mac?
This method is easy to perform, the only need is to configure an IMAP account in Outlook for Mac. Follow the steps to convert OLM to PST manually :
- Open Gmail and then click on the gear icon.
- In settings, navigate to forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Next, enable IMAP and save changes.
- Now, Open Outlook for Mac then under the tools option go to Accounts.
- Enter the email id and password on your IMAP account.
- Select Add account to configure the IMAP account in the Mac Outlook.
- Open the Outlook for Mac and select the desired OLM file and right-click on it.
- Now, click on Move and then Copy to folder.
- Then, find the name of IMAP folder name and select copy.
- Tap on the send/receive button and the IMAP folder will update.
- Under the control panel, select Mail >> Email Accounts>> New.
- Select the Manual to configure server settings and then go to IMAP/POP server settings.
- Enter the IMAP account credentials and configure it.
- Now, click on Next and then click Finish.
The method mentioned above to convert OLM to PST manually is sometimes difficult for users. If you miss out, a single step can force the user to start the conversion process from the start. Also, there is a high risk of losing important data in this process which can be troublesome. Many professional users suggest using an advanced and most trusted OLM converter for Mac to avoid this.
Method 2: Using the Professional tool to Convert OLM files to PST
OLM Converter for Mac is user-friendly and helps to convert OLM files to PST and other file formats like EML, EMLX, MSG, CSV, etc. It allows the conversion of OLM files to PST in a hassle-free way. Below are a few key benefits of using professional software:
- This software helps in performing bulk conversion of OLM files.
- It avoids any data loss and maintains high data security throughout the conversion process.
- This tool has a Date Range Filter which performs the conversion of emails of the desired dates.
- Using this utility, users can convert the OLM files to various email clients like Gmail, Thunderbird, Office365, etc.
- Going with this software saves a lot of time and is user-friendly.
Conclusion:
The manual method to convert OLM to PST on Mac can be a long-lasting process, it does not assure maintaining the data integrity, and there can be data loss. Hence, switching to automated software is the best solution to avoid compromising data security. Here, in this article, we discussed manual and professional methods by which users can easily convert OLM files to Outlook PST files.
